Footwear with Dynamic Arch System

ABSTRACT

The present invention is footwear having a convex shaped outsole with opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section which provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The present invention is also footwear convex shaped in the longitudinal direction with a split sole having opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section that provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The invention further includes footwear having at least one pair of wedges on the outsole which provide footwear having improved arch support. The invention is also footwear with a flexible, elastic, member between the front sole section and the back sole section of the sole.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to footwear, including sneakers, shoes,and socks, and more specifically to footwear configured to improvesupport of the user's foot and foot arches. The present invention alsorelates to devices used to increase foot comfort when footwear is worn.The present invention further relates to footwear configured to improveand assist with walking and/or running.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional footwear (e.g., shoes and sneakers) comprises a sole and anupper secured to the sole on a lower portion of the upper. The top ofthe upper includes an opening, typically near the back part of theupper, where the foot enters the cavity formed by the upper and thesole. The entire structure functions to support the foot. The sole isthe portion between the foot and the ground. The sole is intended toprovide traction, support and cushioning for the user. Many soles have amulti-part construction including an outsole, a midsole, and an insole.The insole is located on the upper most portion of the sole, typicallywith an upper surface exposed inside the footwear where the user's footcontacts the sole. The outsole is located on the bottom most portion ofthe sole of the footwear. The underside of the outsole contacts thesurface on which the user walks or runs (the bottom of the sole contactsthe ground and provides traction against the surface on which the userwalks) and is designed for durability and traction. The midsole islocated between the insole and the outsole and it is commonly designedto absorb the forces commonly encountered when walking or running in thefootwear. One or more parts of the sole, including each the insole,midsole, and outsole, may include padding/cushioning and/or be made ofmaterials that create cushioning for comfort and for shock absorptionproperties.

For most footwear the sole also includes a passive medial arch support.The passive medial arch support is a raised part/portion of the solepositioned in the location where the medial arch of the user's footrests on the insole. In most footwear, the passive medial arch supportis located on the medial side (inside) of the footwear in a lateraldirection and about midway between the front and the back of thefootwear in a longitudinal direction. Passive medial arch supports aretypically convex in at least two directions to complement and conform tothe shape of the user's medial foot arch. To achieve the shape of thepassive medial arch support, the sole of the footwear can be shaped toform the passive medial arch support and/or the footwear can includepadding/cushioning as part of the sole (typically the insole) to createthe passive medial arch support. The flexibility of the passive archsupport cushion and its ability to compress when the foot's medial archcontacts the passive arch support cushion allows, to some extent, foruse by people with different arch heights, widths and shapes, althoughnot every user's medial arch is comfortably supported by the standardpassive arch supports inside footwear. Accordingly, it is not uncommonfor users to add to the passive medial arch support inside footwear withinserts or to modify the passive arch support and/or the insole shapeusing orthotics for improved comfort.

With the foot inside the footwear, the foot rests on top of the insoleand contacts at least some parts of the inside of the upper. Forfootwear having a passive medial arch support, the medial arch of theuser's foot rests upon the passive medial arch support causing upwardforces on the user's medial arch when weight is applied onto thefootwear.

There are many different types of soles. Some footwear uses a very rigidsole intended to provide resistance to penetration, such as, forexample, steel plated construction boots/shoes. Some footwear includes aless rigid sole which provides rigidity but with also provides someflexibility, such as, for example, in athletic footwear with spikes(e.g., soccer shoes, baseball spikes/cleats, football cleats, etc.).Still further there is footwear with a strong and durable sole whichprovides some flexibility but also provides a different appearance moreappealing for formal use, the sole intended to last for an extendedperiod of time, such as, for example, dress shoes. Footwear also existswith a light and flexible sole intended to provide comfort and improvebalance, typically when exercising but also during daily use (walking),such as, for example, sneakers and running sneakers. Sneaker soles aretypically made for motion during use and include padding to absorbimpact forces associated with foot strike.

Some footwear has a split sole design with a front sole portion/sectionand a back sole portion/section, without a middle sole portion/section.In split sole footwear, the front sole portion/section and the back soleportion/section are connected to each other using the upper. Split solefootwear also often includes a heel pad and a toe pad made from a roughmaterial, such as leather or suede, to offer traction. The middlesection of the split sole footwear (sometimes both over and under thefoot) is covered and protected only by the material used for the upper.Split sole footwear usually provides less arch support to the user(along the user's medial arch as well as the lateral arch) than fullsole footwear and thus those arches of the foot may be vulnerable toinjury during use. An advantage of split sole footwear is that it mayprovide more traction in certain environments, such as, for example, forrock climbing where the split sole allows for greater flexibility of thefootwear which assists with contact with uneven or rocky terrain. Asanother example, hunters may use split sole footwear for quietermovement than full sole footwear. In addition, split sole shoes areconsidered aesthetically pleasing, especially in the dance industry,because they make the line of the foot appear more flattering. A splitsole shoe is particularly useful for dancers who need to bend their footand/or point their toes, such as, for example, in ballet. Such footwear,however, does not provide support for the foot, particularly in themidsection where there is no sole.

Still further, there is footwear designed to improve/assist the userwith walking/running through the use of mechanical devices located inthe footwear. For example, some footwear includes one or more springswithin the sole, typically located in the heel region, to create liftduring a push off phase (of the Gait Cycle) or when jumping. Otherfootwear includes encapsulated air pockets within the sole, alsotypically in the back portion of the sole to create increasedcushioning. Mechanical devices such as springs or air pockets in thesole provide shock absorption properties that relieve some of the stressand fatigue of walking or running.

Some recent footwear marketed for running includes channels or groovesin the outsole to increase outsole flexibility between the forefootsection and the heel section of the sole, such as, for example in theNike® Free 3.0 Flyknit. The segmented sole may benefit the user runnerby strengthening the muscles in the foot. The outsole is made oflightweight material to try to give the feeling of running barefootwhile still giving a cushioned support to the user's foot. Somesegmented outsoles are also configured with a ratio of the heel-to-toeheight smaller than in a traditional sneaker or running shoe toencourage forefoot strike as opposed to a heel strike when running.

Many runners, especially those who wear traditional running shoes,strike the ground heel first while running. Due to this reason,traditional running shoes usually have added height and cushion in themidsole and outsole of the heel portion of the shoe, causing a largerheel-to-toe ratio. The added cushioning seeks to provide comfort torunners by reducing the impact of the heel strike phase on the foot andskeletal system. In heel striking, as understood in the context of thegait cycle (the conventional six phases/steps of the gait cycle are 1)heel strike, 2) foot flat, 3) mid-stance, 4) heel-off, 5) toe-off, and6) swing) the collision of the heel on the ground generates asignificant impact force on the skeletal system, whereas in forefootstriking, the collision of the forefoot with the ground causes lesseffect on the skeletal system.

Applicant has discovered that the existing footwear impedes the naturalshock absorptive and cushioning capabilities of the human foot. Existingfootwear with passive arch supports limits the foot's natural ability toachieve superior arch compression of the foot structure (includingbones, muscles and ligaments) which provides shock absorption andcushioning for the user's foot and body. Similarly, the structure ofexisting footwear with passive arch supports limits the energy absorbingand dissipation characteristics of the foot. In addition, most existingfootwear causes splaying of the foot along at least one of the medialarch, the lateral arch and the transverse arch, which causes discomfortfor some including the feeling of a tight shoe or sneaker.

Throughout the gait cycle, the arches of the foot experience fluctuationof compressive forces due to the different placement of body weightforces at each stage and the reaction of the foot's biomechanics.Spacing and the shapes of the bones in the human foot allow enable thehuman foot to achieve two different types of compression of the bonesdepending on the position of the foot and the direction of the forces.

As used herein, the phrase “inferior compression” refers to the state ofthe human foot when compressive forces are applied along inside arch(es)of the foot causing the parts of the bones of the foot along the insideof the arch(es) to touch together. FIG. 12 shows a side view of thehuman foot depicting inferior compression along the medial arch with thebones touching along the inside of the arch and separated along theoutside of the arch. Inferior compression of the medial foot archtypically occurs during the heel-off phase of the gait cycle when thefoot is plantar flexed and the big toe is dorsiflexed causes alongitudinal stretching of the plantar fascia tissue shortens thedistance between the calcaneus and metatarsals (arch base decreases) toelevate the medial longitudinal arch (arch height increases) forinferior compression, as seen in FIGS. 13, 12, 2 and 2A. The plantarshortening that results from plantarflexion of the foot and dorsiflexionof the big toe is the essence of the “Windlass Mechanism” of the footthat helps with propulsion by creating a stable arch and hence a morerigid level for push off. Notably, with footwear having a passive medialarch support, the footwear limits the ability of the longitudinal archbase to shorten preventing inferior compression and thus decreasing theeffect from the windlass mechanism of the foot. In some cases forfootwear, when in a heel-off stage, the passive medial arch support inthe footwear pushes against the plantar fascia forcing it in anotherdirection (e.g., upwards towards the top of the user's foot) which cancause pain and discomfort.

As used herein, the phrase “superior compression” refers to the state ofthe human foot when compressive forces are applied along the outsidearch(es) of the foot causing the parts of the bones of the foot alongthe outside of the arch(es) to touch together. FIGS. 13, 11, and 2 showa side view of the human foot in the flat foot phase depicting superiorcompression along the medial longitudinal arch with the bones touchingalong the outside of the arch and separated along the inside of thearch. Splaying occurs in an arch, such as, for example in the footarch(es), when weight is applied on the outside of the arch causing thearch height to decrease and causing the arch base to increase (widen) asshown in FIG. 2 where y₂<y<y₁ and x₂>x>x₁. For the transverse arch ofthe foot, the forefoot flattens and the arch height decreases, causingwidening of the forefoot as well as potential damage or irritation tothe nerve under the ball of the foot. Splaying can also be caused byapplying too much pressure to the foot, for example by wearing highheels or by being overweight. Injury or disease, such as diabetes, mayalso cause splaying by compromising bone and soft tissue integrity.Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that is often associated withsplayfoot as it may be caused by irritation or damage to theintermetatarsal plantar nerve.

A passive medial arch support such as the arch pads commonly foundinside footwear, provides a filler of arch concavity. It supports themedial longitudinal arch of the user during weight bearing (at the flatfoot stage of the gait cycle) when walking and/or running keeping thefoot arch structure in a middle position (between a state of inferiorcompression and a state of superior compression) and thus not rigid. Theuncompressed position hinders normal foot biomechanics of archessplaying. Since ground forces dissipate through the passive archsupport, force fluctuation is restricted, there are no arch compressiveforces either inferior or superior and thus the natural archneutralizing and shock absorption properties of the foot are diminished.Passive arch supports also have a long term deleterious effect on thefoot; they passively hold the foot as if in a cast sometimes causingosteoporosis, muscle and ligaments atrophy, with a loss of ligamentintegrity which maintains the architectural structure of the foot.Consequently, when walking barefoot without a passive arch support afterexperiencing these deleterious effects, the foot effectively“Hyper-Splays” due to the loss of ligament integrity without achievingarch rigidity (Flat Foot) and is weak and unstable.

None of the existing footwear is capable of providing a user with adynamic arch support system that increases the users' medial archrigidity when the user pushes down on the insole (e.g., during the flatfoot and mid-stance stages of the gait cycle), an arch support systemthat increases footwear comfort and also provides assistance withwalking and/or running through propulsion. None of the existing footwearlessens the splaying of the user's foot along the medial longitudinalarch and/or the transverse arch for increased comfort. None of theexisting footwear increases the rigidity of the arch support(s) whenloading to help achieve an inferior compression of the user's foot (asopposed to superior arch compressions which occurs during arch splaying)creating improved shock absorption and cushioning effects. None of theexiting footwear provides a convex shaped outsole with opposing wedgeshaped configurations in the bottom of the forefoot sole section and theheel sole section which provide rotation of the forefoot sole sectionand the heel sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied.

None of the exiting footwear provides a convex shaped, split sole (inthe longitudinal direction) with an outsole having opposing wedge shapedconfigurations in the bottom of the forefoot sole section and the heelsole section that provide rotation of the forefoot sole section and theheel sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied.

None of the exiting footwear provides a convex shaped outsoletransversely across the width of the footwear in the forefoot sectionwith opposing wedge shaped configurations which provide rotation of themedial side and the lateral side of the forefoot sole section inopposite directions when weight is applied.

None of the exiting footwear provides a convex shaped outsoletransversely across the width of the footwear with a split sole and withopposing wedge shaped configurations in the forefoot sole section whichprovide rotation of the medial side and the lateral side of the forefootsole section in opposite directions when weight is applied.

None of the exiting footwear provides a flexible, elastic, memberbetween the forefoot sole section and the heel sole section configuredto increase cushioning effects, store and dissipate energy therebyassisting with propulsion, and which increases foot comfort by reducingsplaying. None of the existing footwear provides a split sole with aflexible, elastic, member between the forefoot sole section and the heelsole section configured to increase cushioning effects, store anddissipate energy thereby assisting with propulsion, and which increasesfoot comfort by reducing splaying.

None of the existing footwear provides a flexible, elastic, membertransversely positioned in the forefoot sole to increase cushioningeffects and comfort by reducing splaying. None of the exiting footwearprovides a split sole with a flexible, elastic, members longitudinallyand transversely in the forefoot sole section to increase cushioningeffects and comfort by reducing splaying.

No existing footwear provides a dynamic arch support comprising anelastic member connected at opposing ends to rotatable wedges which,when force is applied on the wedges, causes the wedges to rotate and insome cases slide thereby bending the elastic member, increasing theenergy stored in the elastic member, and creating arch support.

No existing footwear includes at least one pair of rotatable wedgespositioned in a location in the footwear such that they are along atleast one of the medial arch, the lateral arch, and the transverse archof the user's foot when worn, wherein the wedges rotate and slidethereby reducing splaying and pronation of the user's foot.

None of existing footwear provides a mechanism to help the user's footachieve inferior compression of the medial arch during the flat footphase which relaxes the plantar fascia tissue due to a decrease indistance between the calcaneus and metatarsals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicant has invented footwear with an improved arch support, footwearconfigured to improve comfort and to assist with walking and/or runningthat overcomes the foregoing and other shortcomings. Applicant hasinvented footwear using at least one pair of wedges on the outsole,midsole, and/or innersole which provide footwear having improved archsupport, configured to improve comfort and to assist with walking and/orrunning. While the invention will be described in connection withcertain embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is notlimited to those embodiments. To the contrary, the invention includesall alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be includedwithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The present invention includes an article of footwear comprising anupper and a sole structure secured to the upper having a front at thetoe area and a back at the heel area, a medial side and a lateral side,a longitudinal length from the front to the back and a transverse widthfrom the medial side to the lateral side. The sole structure accordingto the invention comprises an outsole with a generally convex shapealong the longitudinal length of the footwear when the footwear is in anon-weight bearing position having a front end region and a back endregion. The front end region is located along the entire front soleregion of the sole with a connecting portion in the front of the midfootsole region. The back end region is located along the entire rear soleregion of the sole with a connecting portion in the back of the midfootsole region. There is a raised portion of the sole between the front endregion and the back end region in the midfoot sole region of thefootwear. Accordingly, the front end region of the outsole is curvedupward toward the upper from the innermost portion in the midfoot soleregion to the front of the footwear and the back end region of theoutsole is curved upward toward the upper from the innermost portion inthe midfoot sole region to the back of the footwear. The outsole has aplace of contact defined as at the innermost portion of the front endregion of the outsole and a place of contact defined as the innermostportion of the back end region of the outsole. When the footwear is wornand weight is placed down onto the sole, the front end and the back endof the outsole each bend about the respective places of contact bendingin opposite directions causing the outsole of the footwear to flatten inthe forefoot sole region and the rear sole region.

Preferably, the footwear according to the invention has no passivemedial arch support. Preferably, the raised portion of the sole betweenthe front end region and the back end region has no outsole or a raisedoutsole. In other embodiments, the raised portion of the sole betweenthe front end region and the back end region has no midsole and/orinsole.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, a flexible and elastic member 140 ispositioned across the middle section 220 into the outsole 119 in thefront end section 210 and in the back end section 230. As seen inPosition B, the flattening of the bottoms of the front end section 210and the back end section 230 when weight is applied to the footwear 110causes the elastic member 140 to bend/arch.

The flexible and elastic member may be, for example, a metal strip/rodor a plastic strip/rod connecting the front end section and the back endsection. The metal or plastic strip/rod spans across the middle section.The metal or plastic strip/rod stores energy when bent and the energy isreleased when the metal or plastic strip/rod flexes back to its originalform/position. The invention also includes embodiments where the metalstrip is removable and replaceable with a metal strip having differentelasticity so that the propulsive force created by the footwear can bemodified. In another embodiment, instead of a metal strip between thefront end section and the back end section, both the front end sectionand the back end section can include magnets having similar polaritysuch that the magnets cause the front end section and the back endsection to repel each other when they bend and the magnets move towardeach other. As for the metal strip, the invention includes embodimentswhere the magnets are removable and replaceable with magnets havingdifferent magnetic strength.

The invention also includes embodiments where the front end sectionand/or the back end section of the sole is removable and replaceablewith an component having a different configuration (e.g., height) tomodify the amount of arch support created by the invention. Suchembodiments include devices where the sole adjustments are made in thefactory during manufacturing, post-manufacture in the factory as acustomization, in stores, and/or post-purchase. The invention alsoincludes embodiments where air and/or water can be added to or removedfrom the sole to change its shape/configuration, including alteration ofthe angle(s) of inclination of the front end section and/or the back endsection. The invention further includes embodiments where the spacingbetween the front end section and the back end section of the sole canbe adjusted for a greater or smaller spacing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the general description of the invention given above andthe detailed description of an embodiment given below, serve to explainthe principles of the present invention. Similar components of thedevices are similarly numbered for simplicity.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematics of the human foot in different views andpositions with a partial showing of the bones in the foot. FIG. 1 showsthe general locations of the medial arch, the lateral arch, and thetransverse arch in a foot and thus in footwear when footwear is worn.The medial arch is located along the inside of the foot (the medial sidefrom the 1st metatarsal head to the heel) from front (toes) to back(heel) longitudinally along the foot. The lateral arch is located alongthe outside of the foot (opposite the medial side) longitudinally alongthe foot. The transverse arch is located across the foot in the forefootarea under the metatarsals and formed by the metatarsals from the medialside to the lateral side of the foot. FIG. 2 shows the changes in thefoot during movement (e.g., walking and different stages of the gaitcycle) including changes in the height (y) and length (x) of the medialarch and changes in the plantar fascia tissue. FIG. 2 shows the foot andthe foot arches in 1) a neutral position (e.g., a non-weight bearingposition) with a medial arch height y and a medial arch base x, 2) in aposition during the heel-off stage with the windlass effect shown wherethe medial arch height (and the arch height in the bones (designated asdimension y₁)) increases, the medial arch base length (and the arch baselength in the bones (designated as dimension x₁)) decreases, and theplantar fascia tissue tightens, and 3) in a weight bearing positionduring the mid-stance stage of the gait cycle where the medial archheight (and the arch height in the bones designated as y₂) decreases ascompared to a non-weight bearing position, the medial arch base length(and the arch base length in the bones designated as x₂) increases ascompared to a neutral position, and the plantar fascia tissue stretchesas compared to a non-weight bearing position. FIG. 2 also showsschematics of the human foot and the bones of the foot in differentpositions depicting inferior compression along the medial arch with thebones touching along the inside of the arch and separated along theoutside of the arch and depicting superior compression along the medialarch with the bones touching along the outside of the arch and separatedalong the inside of the arch

FIG. 2A illustrates a bottom plan view and a lateral side view of a soleshowing predetermined sections, regions or portions substantiallycorresponding to the anatomy of a human foot with the skeletal structureof the human foot.

FIGS. 3A-3C show several embodiments of the invention in the form of ashoe or sneaker comprising a modified outsole. FIGS. 3A-3C show thefootwear worn and in each figure in two positions: 1) a non-weightbearing position A (the swing stage of the gait cycle) and 2) a weightbearing position B (the mid-stance stage of the gait cycle).

FIG. 3A shows the modified outsole configuration according to theinvention with a pair of wedge shaped portions one near the back end ofthe front end section of the sole (shown only on the medial side of thefoot) and the other near the front end of the back end section of thesole transversely across the width of the outsole.

FIG. 3B shows the modified outsole configuration according to theinvention similar to the embodiment in FIG. 3A with a pair of wedgeshaped portions one near the back end of the front end section (thistime shown transversely across the outsole) and the other near the frontend of the back end section transversely across the width of theoutsole.

FIG. 3C shows the modified outsole configuration according to theinvention similar to the embodiment in FIG. 3B with a pair of wedgeshaped portions one near the back end of the front end section of thesole (transversely across the width of the outsole) and the other nearthe front end of the back end section of the sole transversely acrossthe width of the outsole, along with an elastic member connected to(joining) each wedge shaped portion at the front end section and theback end section.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention comprising a modified insoleconfigured with the wedges allowing for the movement (dual rotation ofthe ends) of the insole within the footwear.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the invention comprising a sock configuredwith wedges on the underside of the sock.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention comprising wedge shaped padsthat can be placed on the user's foot to cause the rotation of the frontand back of the user's foot to create inferior compression of the footcausing a reduction in splaying.

FIGS. 7A-7C show embodiments of footwear according to the inventioncomprising wedges positioned under the front end section (under theuser's forefoot) to cause the user's foot to arch along the transversearch when weight is applied thereby decreasing the length of the archbase. FIG. 7A shows an embodiment located on the insole of footwear,FIG. 7B shows an embodiment in the form of a sock, and FIG. 7C shows anembodiment in the form of an insert into footwear or in the form of astick on pad that adheres to the user's foot.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the invention in the form of an adhesivefoot cushion for the underside of the user's foot comprising threewedges to cause arching along all three arches, namely the medial arch,the lateral arch, and the transverse arch.

FIG. 9 includes schematics to show the benefit of the invention on footpadding. FIG. 9 shows the human foot and the contact locations for thefoot along the longitudinal direction when weight is applied on a flatsurface. It demonstrates that with the invention, once inferior archcompression is established, it brings about diffusions and directionchange of weight force vectors such that a lesser force per unit areatravels through a thicker padding (P+). Therefore, more pressure, morepadding.

FIG. 10 shows the theory behind the present invention and how a dynamicarch works. The combination of sliding and rotating opposing wedges witha flexible and elastic member between them (external to the human footor the arch(es) within the foot itself) changes the direction of theresultant forces on the wedges causing a more stable structure when thewedges rotate to a flat position. The forces cause the middle sectionconnecting the two wedges to bend into an arch like shape storingpotential energy in the middle section when an elastic member is used.The energy is released in a spring like fashion when the force isremoved from at least one of the wedges which has a forward force vectorassisting with forward propulsion and an upward vector force whichaugments body center of gravity shift. A stable arch system is createddue to the resulting forces on the arch which become directed inward atthe bases of the arch as opposed to distractive outward directed forcesin a splaying arch.

FIGS. 11-12 further show how the principles of a dynamic arch work withthe invention. FIG. 11 shows the human foot with a neutral arch and in acondition with superior arch compression. FIG. 12 shows inferior archcompression occurring in the foot during the heel-off phase without theinvention and during mid-stance phase with the invention according tothe embodiment shown in FIG. 3A with the wedges on the outsole along themedial arch.

FIG. 13 shows the various phases of the gait cycle and the condition ofthe foot during each phase. The figure includes images showing the footwithout the invention on top. On bottom, the figure shows the effects ofthe invention on the foot during the phases of the gait cycle. In theflat-foot and midstance phases, with the invention, the foot achievesinferior arch compression without talus pronation instead of superiorarch compression with talus pronation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is being made in detail to presently preferred embodiments ofthe invention. Selective embodiments are provided by way of explanationof the invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact,those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading thepresent specification and viewing the present drawings that variousmodifications and variations can be made.

The present invention is footwear with an improved arch support,footwear configured to improve comfort and to assist with walking and/orrunning. The invention includes footwear with a convex shaped outsolebottom along at least one of the arches (the medial arch, the lateralarch and the transverse arch of the footwear). The footwear according tothe invention uses at least one pair of wedges on the outsole, or anoutsole shaped and configured in such a manner, which provide forimproved arch support, improve comfort, and assist with walking and/orrunning.

For a better understanding of the present invention, FIG. 2A illustratesa side view and a bottom plan view of a foot and sole showingpredetermined regions or portions substantially corresponding to theanatomy of a human foot. The footwear according to the present inventioncomprises three major divisions, a front sole region, a midfoot soleregion and a rear sole region. The front sole region is the locationwhere the user's toes are positioned including the front of the toes tothe point where the phalanges connect to the metatarsal bones. Themidfoot sole region is the location where the user's medial longitudinalarch is located including the metatarsal bones (also the location forpassive arch supports in conventional footwear) and the severalinterconnecting bones that form the medial arch including the cuboid,the navicular and the talus. The midfoot sole region is further definedby what would be considered the base locations of the mediallongitudinal arch, that is, the section between the places where theuser's foot, when outside the footwear, would contact a flat surface.Typically, a human foot makes contact at the joints between each of thephalanges and corresponding metatarsal bones and at the heel. The rearsole region is defined as the location behind where the user's heelbone, when outside the footwear, would contact a flat surface, and thusincludes a portion of the location of the heel bone. It is understoodthat the human foot also includes interconnecting muscles, ligaments,and other tissue which are not shown for clarity. The front sole region,midfoot sole region and a rear sole v shown in FIG. 2A represent generalareas of footwear that will vary in size and proportion depending uponthe user.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the invention is an outsole with a generally convexshape (or angled) along the longitudinal length of the footwear when ina non-weight bearing position/condition (Position A). The footwearaccording to the invention further comprises a wedge shaped rear endsection of the outsole and a wedge shaped front end section of theoutsole. The footwear according to the invention further comprises aportion of the outsole in the midfoot sole region connected to theoutsole in the front end section and a portion of the outsole in themidfoot sole region connected to the outsole in the rear end section.The footwear according to the invention has a raised outsole in a partof the midfoot section. The invention also includes a split soleconfiguration where there is no outsole in at least a part of themidfoot sole region and/or the midsole and/or the insole.

The outsole in the front section of the footwear according to theinvention is thus curved upward from the lowest location in the midfootsole region of the footwear to the front of the footwear 120, includingthe portion in the forefoot sole region. Likewise, the outsole in therear section of the footwear according to the invention is thus curvedupward from the lowest location in the midfoot sole region of thefootwear to the rear of the footwear 124, including the portion in therear sole region. The footwear thus has two places of contact for theoutsole on the surface it is placed located in the midfoot sole regionthat are spaced apart from each other such that when the footwear isworn, the two places of contact will be inside the contact locations forthe medial arch of a user's foot. The footwear is also configured suchthat when worn and weight is placed down onto the footwear and theoutsole, the outsole bends about the two places of contact in oppositedirections causing the outsole of the footwear to flatten in the rearsole region and in the forefoot sole region. The footwear according tothe invention preferably has no passive medial arch support that wouldotherwise limit the user's foot's ability to achieve inferior archcompression along the medial arch during a flat foot position. It isunderstood that the outsole of the footwear according to the inventionin the front end section of the footwear and/or in the back end sectionof the footwear can be configured in other shapes with or withoutcurves, such as, for example, a straight outsole sloped upward from theplace of contact to the front of the sole and/or from the place ofcontact to the back of the sole.

The sole according to the invention is flexible preferably madefrom—plastic, rubber, metal, opposing magnets, leather, air pockets,etc.

As shown in FIG. 3A, a side view of footwear according to the inventionwith a foot shown inside, the invention's outsole configuration createstwo locations 133 and 135 where the sole hinges and bends when weight isapplied. Because the contact locations for the foot (the locationsforming the base of the medial foot of the arch) are located outside ofthe locations of the points of contact for the footwear 133 and 135, thefront end section 210 and the back end section 230 of the footwear eachrotate down in opposite directions. The initial points of contact on theoutsole when the footwear is placed straight down onto the groundidentifies those locations about which the rotation occurs, e.g., theapex of the wedge like shape. In FIGS. 3A-C, the locations of rotationare identified by numerals 133 and 135. These locations may be a small(e.g., a small line) or the locations may be small areas. For stability,the locations are preferably bigger than a single point of contact andconsist of a small area on the sole. According to the invention, formost footwear have a longitudinal length L from the toe to the heel, thepoint of contact 133 for the footwear is located at about ⅓L from theback of the footwear. The point of contact 135 for the footwear is alsolocated at about ⅓L from the front of the footwear, although theinvention includes larger distances including distances between about ⅓Land ½L.

When weight is placed on the footwear, as shown in Position B, the frontend section of the sole 210 of the footwear comprising the sole in theforefoot sole region and a part of the outsole located in the front ofthe midfoot sole region connected to the sole in the forefoot regionrotates around the place of contact 135 for the front wedge 134 in adirection t. The back end section of the footwear 230 comprising thesole in the rear sole region and a part of the outsole located in therear of the midfoot region and connected to the sole in the rear soleregion rotates around the place of contact 133 for the rear wedge 132 ina direction s. The direction of rotation t of the front end of the sole210 is about opposite to the direction of rotation s of the back end ofthe sole 230. The invention includes the ability for the sole to rotate(each the front end section 210 and/or the back end section 230) in thetransverse direction (e.g., a twisting like pronation of the foot).

The rotation of the front and back ends of the sole 210 and 230 inopposite directions stabilizes the outsole 119 on the ground (or anothersurface on which the footwear is placed). The front end section 210 andback end section 230 rotation causes the middle section of the sole inbetween the two 220 (within the midfoot sole region) to arch. When thefootwear is worn, the weight of the user comes down on the contactlocations for the medial arch which are outside of the places of contact133 and 135. The footwear consequently shortens the base of the user'smedial foot arch, raising the medial arch of the user's foot, therebyincreasing the rigidity along the medial arch with inferior archcompression. The user's foot is placed into the condition it wouldnormally be in during the heel-off windlass stage of the gait cycle (butwithout toe dorsiflexion and its consequence of tighter plantar fascia)with an increased arch height and decreased arch base length and theplantar fascia tissue shortens (and it therefore loosens) instead of thefoot being placed into the mid-stance stage where the user's foot issplayed with a decreased arch height and increased arch base length andwith the plantar fascia tissue lengthened (stretched longitudinally)).The user's foot is pushed into a state where the bones of the footexperience inferior arch compression (the same state as during thewindlass effect during the heel-off stage of the gait cycle) instead ofsuperior compression. Particularly for user's with tight footwear(shoes), with the invention, in this position, the user's foot fits morecomfortably inside the footwear because it does not “spread out” (splay)as much as without the invention.

Most preferably, although not necessary, when weight is placed on thefootwear causing rotation of the front end section 210 and the back endsection 230, causing the shape of the underside of the outsole to changefrom a convex configuration to an about flat configuration, either oneor both of the front end section 210 of the outsole and the back endsection 230 of the outsole also slide on the surface they contact eachtowards the middle of the footwear (towards each other). The combinationof sliding and rotating of the front end section 210 and back endsection 230 of the sole increases the bending force on the middlesection 220 of the sole which in turn increases the arching action ofthe footwear in the middle section 220 and thus the medial arch of theuser's foot. A stronger and more stable arch system is created due tothe resulting forces on the base of the arch which become directedinward at the bases of the arch (at the outsole) as depicted in FIG. 10.

The sliding of the outsole 119 along the contacting surface at theplaces of contact 133 and 135 may occur for typical outsole materials ofconstruction (e.g., rubber) without the need for modification.Alternatively, in another embodiment of the invention, the sliding ofthe outsole 119 along the contacting surface at the places of contact133 and 135 could be improved by constructing parts of the underside ofthe outsole with a smooth plastic or similar material over the entireoutsole or parts of it including the places of contact 133 and 135.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the middle section 220 of the sole114 between the places of contact 133 and 135 is shown with an insole115, a midsole 117, and an outsole 119. Preferably, one or more of theinsole 115, a midsole 117, and outsole 119 are made from an elasticmaterial in the middle section of the sole 220 extending at leastover/past the places of contact 133 and 135 in the front end section 210and the back end section 230. In FIG. 3A, the midsole 117 is an elasticmaterial (e.g., rubber) which bends (arches) when the footwear is placedinto Position B. Alternatively, one or more plastic or metallicplates/rods could be included in the sole 114, positioned on theunderside of the outsole 119, inside the outsole 119, inside the midsole117, and/or inside the insole 115.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the outsole 119 is configured withfront end section 210 and a back end section 230 each having a wedgeshaped configuration 132 and 134. The front end section 210 of theoutsole 119 is located in the forefoot sole region and a part is in themidfoot sole region. The back end section 230 of the outsole 119 islocated in the rear sole region and a part is in the midfoot soleregion. In this embodiment, the front end section 210 of the outsole 119is only wedged on the medial side of the footwear. Such a configurationprovides for dynamic arch support primarily along the medial arch of theuser's foot.

In the alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the outsole 119configuration is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A configuredwith a front end section 210 and a back end section 230 each having awedge shaped configuration 132 and 134. The front end section 230 of theoutsole 119 is located in the forefoot sole region and a part is in themidfoot sole region. The back end section 230 of the outsole 119 islocated in the rear sole region and a part is in the midfoot soleregion. In this embodiment, the front end section 210 of the outsole 119has a wedge shape across the footwear in the transverse direction. Sucha configuration provides for dynamic arch support along the user'smedial foot arch and, more so than the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, alsoalong the transverse arch of the user's foot. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3B, there is no outsole 119 in the middle section 220 of the sole114.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, a flexible and elastic member 140 ispositioned across the middle section 220 into the outsole 119 in thefront end section 210 and in the back end section 230. As seen inPosition B, the flattening of the bottoms of the front end 210 and theback end section 230 when weight is applied to the footwear 110 causesthe elastic member 140 to bend/arch.

The elastic member 140 or the sole 114 in the case of an elastic sole,stores energy when bent and the energy is released when the weight isremoved and the elastic member flexes back to its originalform/position. When a flexible, resilient, elastic member, such as, forexample, a metal strap or a plastic strap, are used, the footwearaccording to the invention therefore stores and releases energy duringthe various stages of the gait cycle effectively assisting with walkingand/or running. The energy stored is released between the mid-stance andthe heel off stages of the gait cycle causing the heel of the foot tospring up when the back end section 230 of the footwear comes up off ofthe ground and the stored energy is released. The user thus experiencesa spring like effect causing a propulsion of the user's foot. The amountof force received is a function of the degree of inclination (convexity)of the bottom of the outsole, the elasticity of the sole (and/or elasticmember), and the amount of weight (force) applied.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, metal strip 800 includes lines orgradations to see or measure the spacing between the points of contact133 and 135. The invention includes embodiments where the user canadjust the spacing between the front end 210 and the back end 230 byhand, or using a wrench or a pump. Alternatively, the entire front endsection 210 of the sole and/or the entire back end section 230 of thesole can be removed and replaced with a different sized component asdesired for comfort and/or for a specific activity (e.g., walking,running, etc.). In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3C, magnetswith similar polarity can be positioned within both the front endsection 210 and the back end section 230 to increase the propulsiveforce for the footwear according to the invention.

It is understood that the same dynamic arch effect can be achieved witha modified insole for footwear instead on the outsole. As shown in theembodiment in FIG. 4, the insole can be configured with the wedged likeconfiguration allowing for the movement (rotation) of the front endsection 210 and the back end section 230 of the insole within thefootwear. The wedge shaped configuration on the underside of the insole115 which is made of an elastic material allows the front end 210 andthe back end section 230 to rotate and slide causing the front endsection 210 and back end section 230 of the insole 115 to flatten downagainst the midsole of the footwear. The middle section 220 of theinsole bends/arches upward as shown in position B causing inferior archcompression of the user's foot and therefore a stable medial arch of theuser.

The present invention is not limited to just shoes and sneakers but alsoincludes other forms of footwear including socks configured with wedges,pads that can be inserted into footwear or into socks, and adhesive padsthat can be adhered to the user's skin. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in asock 310 form with wedges 132 and 134 on the underside of the sock 310.In Position A, in a non-weight bearing position, the places of contact133 and 135 contact the inside of the shoe or sneaker with the front (atthe toes) and back (at the heel) raised. When weight is applied down, asshown in position B, the front and back of the user's foot rotate aboutthe places of contact 133 and 135 causing the user's foot to experiencea modified windlass type effect without extension (dorsiflexion) of thetoe and therefore relaxation rather than tightening of the plantarfascia. Splaying is counteracted as a result of the inferior compressionof the user's foot along the medial arch.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment with wedge shaped pads 410 and 430 on a anadhesive pad 450 that can be placed on the user's foot to cause thedesired rotation of the front and back of the user's foot when weight isapplied. When the user's foot is in Position B, a weight bearingposition, in the high heel shoe, as shown in FIG. 6, the medial arch ofthe user′ foot becomes rigid due to inferior compression causing areduction in splaying as compared to Position B without any pads 410 and430.

The invention also includes embodiments footwear with wedge shaped padspositioned along the traverse arch of the user's foot. FIGS. 7A-7C showembodiments of footwear according to the invention with the wedge shapedcomponents positioned under the user's forefoot to cause the user's footto arch along the transverse arch when weight is applied decreasing thetransverse arch base length rather than an increase with splaying.

FIG. 7A shows an embodiment in the form of an insole 515, FIG. 7B showsan embodiment in the form of a sock 610, and FIG. 7C shows an embodimentin the form of an adhesive pad 650 for the underside of the user's foot(in the form of a stick on pad that adheres to the foot). In each of theembodiments shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the wedge like components 532 and 536are positioned on opposing sides of the footwear transversely in theforefoot sole region of the footwear. When weight is placed on thefootwear, as shown in Position B, both the medial side and the lateralside of the footwear rotate around the places of contact 533 and 537 indirections Z₂ and Z₁ respectively. The direction of rotation of themedial side of the footwear is about opposite the direction of rotationof the lateral side of the footwear. The invention includes embodimentswith some rotation for each the medial side and/or the lateral side alsoin the longitudinal direction.

The rotations of the footwear causes the sole of the user's foot (andthe footwear between the places of contact 533 and 537, such as, forexample, for the embodiments shown in FIG. 7A-7C) to arch raising theportion of the device (and the user's foot above) between the places ofcontact 533 and 537. Splaying is reduced along the transverse arch ofthe user's foot increasing comfort in the footwear.

It is further understood that the invention is not limited toembodiments of footwear having the wedge shaped configuration along justthe medial arch, the lateral arch, or the transverse arch, but ratheralso includes combinations thereof. For example, FIG. 8 shows anembodiment of the invention in the form of an adhesive foot cushion forthe underside of the user's foot comprising three wedge shaped areasthat cause arching along all three arches of the user′ foot, namely themedial arch, the lateral arch, and the transverse arch. A high heel shoeis shown in FIG. 8, it being understood that the invention is notlimited to high heel shoes but rather includes all other forms offootwear.

The wedge like shaped part 532 and 536 of the foot cushion 750 arepositioned on opposing sides of the footwear transversely in theforefoot sole region. When weight is placed on the footwear, as shown inPosition B, both the medial side and the lateral side of the footwearrotate around the places of contact 533 and 537 in directions Z₂ and Z₁respectively. The direction of rotation of the medial side of thefootwear Z₂ is about opposite the direction of rotation of the lateralside of the footwear Z₁. This embodiment also includes the ability forthe cushion 750 to rotate at each the medial side and/or the lateralside in the longitudinal direction. The rotations of the footwear causesthe sole of the user's foot (and the footwear where there a part of thefootwear between the places of contact 533 and 537) to arch raising theportion of the device (the user's foot above) between the places ofcontact 533 and 537. Splaying is reduced along the transverse arch ofthe user's foot increasing comfort in the footwear.

In combination with the wedge shaped configuration 534 located at theback end of the footwear, the wedge like configurations 532 and 536 onthe underside of the footwear cause bending/arching along the medialarch and the lateral arch of the user when weight is applied as shown inposition B. With the invention, arch splaying is eliminated as a resultof the inferior compression of the user's foot along the medial arch,the lateral arch, and the transverse arch.

FIG. 13 shows how one embodiment of the invention works, the embodimentaccording to FIG. 3A with the wedges on the outsole along the medialarch, during the various stages of the gait cycle.

FIG. 9 includes schematics to show the benefit of the invention on footpadding. FIG. 9 shows the human foot and the contact locations for thefoot along the longitudinal direction when weight is applied on a flatsurface. The padding beneath the foot is compressed at the points ofcontact and the more pressure applied to the insole, the more thepadding compresses and decreases in thickness. The forces areconcentrated at the points of contact. On the other hand, when using theinvention, the weight forces are redirected and distributed over alarger area causing less compression transversing a thicker paddingunder the user's foot. As shown in FIG. 9, the invention helps to reducethe amount of the foot's plantar thinning of skin and natural softtissue padding under pressure. The decreased foots soft tissue naturalpadding thinning preserves its inherent hydraulic for dissipationproperties. Hydraulic force dissipation is a major shock absorptionmechanism: Ground force Shock dissipation occurred in a biologicalsystem when foot “shock absorption” mechanism of arch deformation issupplemented by force dissipation within muscles and other soft tissuesof the foot and leg acting as a fluid envelope surrounding bone. Withoutthis hydraulic force dissipation complex bones can breaks easily. Tiredmuscle looses their hydraulic properties which can lead to stressfractures

The size, shape and physical dimensions of the human foot vary from oneperson to another. Accordingly, there is no single distance between thewedge shaped portions of the footwear according to the invention thatworks effectively for everyone. The invention thus includes footwearwith spacing between the wedge shaped portions (and the places ofcontact) other than just for the embodiments shown in the figures andherein disclosed.

Accordingly, the invention also includes the process for measuring thebottom of one's foot and/or using molds or other similar methods tomeasure the bottom of a foot to determine the placement/location ofwedge shaped portions (and places of contact) on footwear for thepurpose of fabricating footwear according to the invention. Preferably,the places of contact for opposing wedges would be positioned inside thepoints of contact for the foot on either side of the medial arch, thelateral arch or the transverse arch. The process for making a sock, aninsole, an outsole, an orthotic insert, and the like according to suchprocess is part of the invention.

The present invention is unique in that when the footwear is in the flatfoot phase of the gait cycle, once the stable arch established in astate of inferior compression with a shorter base, adding furtherpressure does not cause a splaying of the arch. To the contrary, addingmore pressure will stabilize the arch further since now the forcevectors are inward at the base of the arch. The arch base will notincrease in length once inferior arch compression is achieved. Inwarddirected force vectors are established and resist splaying distractionforce vectors. The opposite happens. Increased forces on the archreinforce and enhance inward directed force vectors and stabilize archfurther a windlass arch and a splaying arch are mutually exclusive. Aperson cannot have shorter and longer plantar fascia at the same time. Auser cannot have lower and higher arch height at the same time.

Another benefit of the invention is the reduction in talus pronation.The conventional teaching is that talus pronation occurs at the flatfoot phase of the gait cycle to stabilize the medial longitudinal arch.Once the talus and therefore the hind-foot pronates the arch is stable.The clinical observation of a. talus pronation followed by b. rigidarch, are indisputable. Applicant has discovered, however, that taluspronation is not the cause for a rigid foot arch. Rather, a rigid footarch is a consequence of the splaying of the foot at the flat foot phasedue to weight pressure on the arch. Arch stability is brought about bysuperior arch compression, not pronation which is consequential reactionto weight forces bringing it and the calcaneus into stable positions.

It is a clinical fact that the talus pronates at the flat foot phasewhen the splaying mechanism is active, but does not pronate at aheel-off phase when the Windlass mechanisms is activated, and the mediallongitudinal arches are rigid in both states. Arch rigidity at theflat-foot phase is brought about by the splaying mechanism whichgenerates superior arch compression with talus pronation and the rigidarch at heel-off phase is brought about by the Windlass mechanism whichgenerates inferior compression without talus pronation. It logicallyfollows that when there is inferior compression, as with the WindlassArch, something does not allow for talus pronation. Applicant hasdiscovered that the sub-talar joint has a “locking” mechanism that isactivated only in a state of inferior arch compression (e.g., during aWindlass state). In the flat foot gait phase when the splaying mechanismis activated force vector goes through the longitudinal axis of thetalus in effect “unlocking” the sub-talus joint and allowing forpronation around the SAC force axis. During the swing phase when thereare no arch compressive forces, the sub-talus joint is free and looseand talus falls into its default position which is neutral.

Accordingly, the footwear according to the present invention hasnumerous advantages including the following:

1) it creates a dynamic arch support—the invention assists and enhancesfoot biomechanics by a timely adaptation of foot arches from asemi-rigid neutral arch to rigid arch state and vice versa exactly whenneeded during all walking and running phase, allowing rigid archesunique properties of force neutralization and “shock absorption”. Theinventions provides a dynamic arch support as opposed to a passive archsupport.

2) it provides “shock absorption” by an alternative mechanism of a“compressed spring” like effect (rather than a “stretched spring” likeeffect which occurs during splaying) on foot arch under weight (load) atthe flat foot phase walking and running gait, therefore acting as a“shock absorber” dissipating and blunting ground forces.

3) it provides force vector realignment. It manipulates foots archesstructure in such a way that it changes direction of forces (vectors)acting on foots arches. It also redirects ground forces to foot archfrom heel and forefoot, therefore increasing surface area and decreasingforce per unit area.

4) it brings about potential energy (PE) storage within foots arch by analternative mechanism. PE is stored in the in foot arch deformation.“Natural” foot by a “Stretching” spring action of the splaying archsuperior arch compression, at the flat foot phase of walking andrunning, and according to the invention by a “Compressing” spring actionof the Windlass like arch inferior arch compression.

5) it assists the foot and therefore body forward propulsion. Whenweight is withdrawn at heel off, the splaying arch of flat foot phasereleases its stored PE. Arch base decreases and arch height increases.The arch reverts to its original “Neutral” state and losses its superiorarch compression. Kinetic Energy (KE) is dissipated in foots horizontalplain. This energy is wasted without any beneficial effect towardforward propulsion since force vectors at arch base are inward. Incontrast inferior arch compression in the Windlass like arch accordingto the invention aid forward propulsion. On weight withdrawal at heeloff, when the posterior wedge is released and anterior wedge is stillgrounded, the PE stored in arch (inferior arch compression) (or rod) isinstantly released as KE whose vector forces the heel up, assistingpropulsion.

6) with increased pressure, the invention increases padding. Withregular shoes, higher the pressure causes thinning of foot cushioning.With the invention, force vectors are redirected in such a way that withincrease pressure (force) there is an increase in the thickness andsurface area the force has to go through

7) for the invention with a rod, the rod provides an added advantage ofadditional energy storage in the rod. When the wedges are connected bysome means (metal, rubber, magnetic, etc.), the rod stores potentialenergy in the rod. Deformation is in addition to the stored energy infoots arch deformation. This stored Potential Energy can be harnesstoward more powerful forward propulsion or captures (ex: battery).Opposing force Magnets (+,+) can act as a Virtual Rod storing PE.

8) the invention relaxes the Plantar Fascia (9b) With the invention, theWindlass like arch at flat foot phase of walking and running the base ofthe Medial longitudinal arch decreases (therefore relaxing PlantarFascia as opposed to Splaying of the foot at the FF Phase in “Natural”foot at the FF Phase where the Plantar Fascia (PF) is stretched. Incontrast, a passive arch support “kinks” the plantar fascia in a mannerof passively pushing up on a bowstring, especially when the Windlasseffect tightens it. This is a causes of pain and discomfort.

9) it causes a “SkinnyFoot” effect. With the invention, when weight isapplied, the Windlass like arch shortens the base of the arches of thefoot in FF Phase, therefore allowing for narrower, slimmer, coronal(transverse), and/or sagital (front to back), area with increased load.This essentially brings about a smaller foot profile exactly when neededat the flat foot and the push-off phases of walking and running, andallows for tighter, slimmer, shoes (“Skinny Foot”). As opposed to normalsplaying of the arches under load, which causes a larger foot profileand therefore tighter shoes.

10) it eliminates the need for passive arch supports. Passive archsupports are problematic. With the invention, there is no physicalcontact and therefore pressure on foots arch concavity while it providesa timely dynamic arch support exactly when needed in the gait cycle.Passive arch support provides a filler of arch concavity; it functionsas an arch stabilizes during weight bearing at the flat-foot phase ofwalking and running. Keeping the arch structure passively stable but NOTrigid (it remains Semi-Rigid) hinders “normal” foots biomechanics ofarches splaying, its transformation from a semi-rigid to a rigid arch,which would have facilitated rigid arch unique property of neutralizingopposing ground force. Since ground forces dissipate through the passivearch support, arch plasticity is restricted and fluctuation hindered,there are no arch compressive forces either inferior (concave) orsuperior (convex) which would have formed a distinct rigid arch,therefore foot arch cannot exhibit solid arches force neutralizingproperties and Shock absorption is diminished. Passive arch supportsalso have a long term deleterious effect on the foot; they passivelyholds the foot as if in a cast, osteoporosis, muscle and ligamentsatrophy sets in, with loss of the “rubbery glue” which keeps foot archinternal integrity. Subsequently, on bare foot walking without the PAS,the foot “Hyper-Splays” usually without achieving arch rigidity (FlatFoot) and is weak and unstable. Passive arch support “Kinks” plantarfascia passively, pushing up on the bowstring plantar fascia,especially, when the tight due to the Windlass. This causes pain anddiscomfort. Passive arch support press on the stretched plantar fasciaduring flat-foot and Windlass at push-off therefore cause “Kinky”Plantar Fascia which can cause pain.

11) it provides for a functional restoration of foot arch in pathologicstates and diseases.

-   -   a. Dropped Arch—Elevate a Supple Dropped Arch and restores its        functional rigidity and ‘Shock absorption” capacity exactly when        needed in the gait cycle.    -   b. Heel Spur—Relax Plantar Fascia therefore taking pressure off        heel spurs.    -   c. Plantar Fasciitis—Relaxes Plantar Fascia therefore relieving        tension and pressure.    -   d. Morton's Neuroma—Decreases pressure on Morton's Neuroma by        rounding Transverse Arch and increased shoe space via the        “Skinny Foot” effect.    -   e. Calluses—Force vector shift allows for redistribution of        pressure points with increase padding on increase pressure and        increase surface area at pressure points therefore decreases        pressure point irritation and reactive callus formation.    -   f. Bunions—Force vector shift allows for redistribution of        pressure points with increase padding on increase pressure and        increase surface area. Transverse Arch rounding and “Skinny        Foot” effect also relieve pressure off the bunions (1st        Metatarsal and 5th Metatarsal-Taylor).    -   g. Hallux Rigidus and Arthritis MP joint Big Toe—Relaxes plantar        Fascia and shifts pressure to the arch from metatarsal head        therefore decreasing pressure and pull on the MP joint.

12) it helps a diabetic foot. Naturopathic foot-force vector shiftcauses redistribution of pressure points with increase padding onincrease pressure, it redirects pressure from forefoot to dynamic archsupport wedges and foot arches with increase surface area and allowsTransverse and Lateral Arches rounding facilitating the “Skinny Foot”effect. These factors dissipate ground forces, distribute pressurepoints over a greater area and decrease foot functional volume in a shoetherefore lower or eliminate Pressure Ulcers.

13) it prevents osteoporosis—Oscillate created by the ground-reactionforces, “vibrates” foot, leg, pelvis and spine bones, stimulating themto increase in density. In addition, active muscular contraction inconjunction with passive ligaments stretching and shrinking, adds tothese stimulus effects during walking, running and exercising. Bycontrast the impact blunting, shock absorbing shoe soles in “Regular”shoes and sneakers are “anti-vibration” denying increase bone densitystimulus.

14) it avoids fluctuation and therefore conserves energy and increasepower-Windlass like inferior arch compression is in effect in both theflat-foot phase (dynamic arch support mechanism) and push-off phase(Windlass mechanism) this allows for foot and leg muscle to restconserve energy for an improved more efficient and powerful walking andrunning. In contrast during “Natural” walking and running fluctuationfrom superior arch compression at the flat-foot phase (Splayingmechanism) to inferior arch compression at push-off phase (Windlassmechanism) occurs. This Fluctuation mechanism requires energy, tiresfoot and leg muscles and accounts for a less efficient and less powerfulwalking and running.

15) it creates a Windlass like inferior arch compression “Locks”sub-talar joint therefore preventing pronation or supination (true alsofor the Windlass Mechanism). The invention's inferior arch compression(similar to Windlass inferior Arch compression) “Locks” sub-talar jointwhile forming a rigid arch which does not allow for pronation (P), orsupination (S) of hind foot relatively to fore-foot. Proof of thisphenomena is clinical observation of the Windlass Mechanism during toeoff and push-off phases whereas a rigid longitudinal arch with inferiorcompression forces is formed with the hind-foot and fore-foot in a solid“Neural” alignment without any pronation or supination.

16) it corrects foot pronation and supination anomalies and Pathology.Under load at the flat-foot phase the invention causes inferior archcompression “locks” sub-talar joint in “Neutral” preventing andtherefore correcting pathological dynamic pronation or supination.

17) it diverges plantar directed forces medially, toward big toe,achieving mechanical advantage by a longer lever arm at push off and toeoff phases. Under load at flat foot phase in “Natural” gait pressure isdistributed throughout the foot but mainly concentrated on the splayedmedial, lateral and transverse arches. At toe off and push off forcesare concentrated toward fore-foot and especially metatarsal heads.Diversion of force vectors toward medial longitudinal arch and 1stmetatarsal brings about a longer lever with a mechanical advantageduring walking and running.

18) it prevents heel valgus—Under load at the flat-foot phase thesub-talar joint is locked which not only prevents pronation but alsoheel valgus.

19) it prevents knee valgus and external rotation, therefore protectingknee from injuries. Since under load at flat foot phase the Windlasslike mechanism with its inferior arch compression, “locks” sub-talarjoint, prevents pronation and heel vagus, the compensatory knee valgusand external rotation does not come about. With the leg in “Neutral” thecruciates are “wound-in” and knee tight.

20) it brings about earlier “Locking” of Ankle. By preventing taluspronation and inferior arch compression shorting and “Rounding” mediallongitudinal arch during flat-foot brings about earlier presentation oftalar doom wider anterior articulate surface and therefore a stableankle joint.

21) the invention can compensate for knee weakness. Earlier anklelocking allows for earlier full extension and passive locking of knee atheel strike which can compensating for knee weakness due quadricepsmuscle atrophy.

22) it brings about a more efficient muscular Dynamic. Consistency ofdynamic arch support and Windlass inferior arch compression, “locked”sub-talar joint. Elimination of talus pronation, and the increase infoot lever length in addition to the ankle earlier “locking” make for astable more dynamically and efficient lower extremity therefore muscletier less and can go a longer distance.

23) conserves legs Hydraulics and prevents stress fractures:Preservation of foots plantar soft tissue integrity keeps its hydraulicprotection in addition to its spring like effect of “shock absorption”of foots arch. Ground force shock dissipation occurred in a biologicalsystem when foot “shock absorption” mechanism of arch deformation issupplemented by force dissipation within muscles and other soft tissuesof the foot and leg acting as a fluid envelope surrounding bone. Withoutthis hydraulic force dissipation complex bones can breaks easily. Tiredmuscle looses their hydraulic properties which can lead to stressfractures.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An article of footwear comprising an elastic sole having a front at the toe area and a back at the heel area, a medial side edge and a lateral side edge, a longitudinal length from the front to the back and a transverse width from the medial side edge to the lateral side edge, the sole comprising: a front end section, a back end section, and a middle section; said front end section located along an entire front sole region of said sole with a connecting portion in the front of a midfoot sole region, said back end section located along an entire rear sole region of said sole with a connecting portion in the back of the midfoot sole region, said middle section located between said front end section and said back end section; said sole further comprising an outsole in said front end section and said back end section comprising an underside for contact with the ground; wherein, when said footwear is in a non-weight bearing position, said underside of said front end section of said outsole is curved upward toward an upper surface of said insole from the innermost portion to the front of the footwear; wherein, when said footwear is in a non-weight bearing position, said underside of said back end section of said outsole is curved upward toward an upper surface of said insole from the innermost portion in the midfoot sole region to the back of the footwear; wherein, when said footwear is in a non-weight bearing position, said underside of said outsole has a place of contact at the innermost portion of the front end section of said outsole and a place of contact at the innermost portion of the back end section of said outsole; and wherein when said footwear is worn and weight is placed down onto said outsole, said front end section and said back end section of said sole each bend about said places of contact, said front end section and said back end section rotating in opposite directions causing the underside of said outsole of the footwear to flatten in the front end section and the back end section.
 22. The footwear according to claim 21, wherein said sole has no passive medial arch support.
 23. The footwear according to claim 21, wherein said middle section of said sole between the front end section and the back end section has no outsole.
 24. The footwear according to claim 23, wherein said middle section of said sole between the front end section and the back end section has no midsole.
 25. The footwear according to claim 21, wherein each of said front end section and said back end section of said outsole are wedge shaped.
 26. The footwear according to claim 21, further comprising a metal strip connecting the front end section and the back end section of said sole, said metal strip extending across the middle section of said sole.
 27. The footwear according to claim 26, wherein said metal strip is removable and replaceable with a metal strip having different elasticity.
 28. The footwear according to claim 21, wherein each of said front end section and said back end section of said sole further comprise a magnet having similar polarity, wherein said magnets cause the front end section and the back end section to repel each other.
 29. The footwear according to claim 28, wherein at least one of said magnets is removable and replaceable with a magnet having different magnetic strength.
 30. The footwear according to claim 21, wherein at least one of said front end section and said back end section of said sole is removable and replaceable with a sole having a different height.
 31. The footwear according to claim 21, wherein said places of contact for the outsole are inside the contact locations for the medial arch of a user's foot when the footwear is worn.
 32. An elastic insole having a front at the toe area and a back at the heel area, a medial side edge and a lateral side edge, a longitudinal length from the front to the back and a transverse width from the medial side edge to the lateral side edge, the insole comprising: a front end section, a back end section, and a middle section; said front end section located along an entire front sole region of said insole with a connecting portion in the front of a midfoot sole region, said back end section located along an entire rear sole region of said insole with a connecting portion in the back of the midfoot sole region, said middle section located between said front end section and said back end section; an underside of said insole in said front end section having a medial side and a lateral side; when in a non-weight bearing position, said medial side of said underside of said insole sloped upward laterally towards an upper surface of said insole from a place of contact to the medial side edge of said insole; when in a non-weight bearing position, said lateral side of said underside of said insole sloped upward laterally towards an upper surface of said insole from a place of contact to the lateral side edge of said insole; and wherein when said insole is worn and weight is placed down onto said insole, said medial side and said lateral side of said front end section each bend about said places of contact, said medial side and said lateral side rotating in opposite directions causing the underside of said insole flatten on the medial side and the lateral side of said front end section.
 33. The insole according to claim 32, wherein said insole has no passive medial arch support.
 34. The insole according to claim 32, wherein each of said medial side and lateral side of said front end section of said insole are wedge shaped.
 35. The insole according to claim 32, wherein each of said medial side and said lateral side of said underside of said insole comprise a magnet having similar polarity, wherein said magnets cause the medial side and the lateral side to repel each other.
 36. The insole according to claim 35, wherein at least one of said magnets is removable and replaceable with a magnet having different magnetic strength.
 37. The insole according to claim 32, wherein at least one of said medial side and said lateral side of said insole is removable and replaceable with a different height component.
 38. The insole according to claim 32 wherein, when said insole is in a non-weight bearing position, said underside of said back end section of said insole is curved upward toward the upper surface of said insole from the innermost portion in the midfoot sole region to the back of the insole; wherein, when said insole is in a non-weight bearing position, said underside of said insole has a place of contact at the innermost portion of the back end section of said insole; and wherein when weight is placed down onto said insole, said front end section and said back end section of said outsole each bend about said places of contact, said front end section and said back end section rotating in opposite directions causing the underside of said insole to flatten in the front end section and the back end section.
 39. The insole according to claim 38, wherein said insole has no passive medial arch support.
 40. An outsole comprising a front at the toe area and a back at the heel area, a medial side edge and a lateral side edge, a longitudinal length from the front to the back and a transverse width from the edge at the medial side to the edge at the lateral side, the outsole comprising: an underside, a front end section, a middle section, and a back end section; said front end section located along an entire front sole region with a connecting portion in the front of a midfoot sole region; said back end section located along an entire rear sole region with a connecting portion in the back of the midfoot sole region; said middle section located between the front end section and the back end section; the underside of the back end section of said outsole generally shaped upward from a lowest point at the middle most portion on said outsole when in a non-weight bearing position; the medial side of the underside of the front end section generally shaped upward towards the edge of the medial side of the outsole from a lowest point near the middle most portion when in a non-weight bearing position; a raised portion of the underside of the outsole in the middle section between the medial side of the front end section and the back end section; wherein said underside of said outsole has a place of contact at the innermost portion of the medial side of said front end section of said outsole and a place of contact at the innermost portion of the back end section of said outsole; wherein when said footwear is worn and weight is placed down onto said outsole, said front end section and said back end section of said outsole each bend about said places of contact, causing the outsole of the footwear to flatten in the front end section and the back end section.
 41. The outsole according to claim 40, wherein said back end section of said outsole is wedge shaped.
 42. The footwear according to claim 40, further comprising a metal strip connecting the front end section and the back end section of said sole, said metal strip extending across the middle section of said sole.
 43. The footwear according to claim 42, wherein said metal strip is removable and replaceable with a metal strip having different elasticity.
 44. The footwear according to claim 40, wherein each of said front end section and said back end section of said outsole further comprise a magnet, wherein said magnets cause the front end section and the back end section to repel each other.
 45. The footwear according to claim 44, wherein at least one of said magnets is removable and replaceable with a magnet having different magnetic strength. 